How do I get my boarding pass for a flight?

Get your boarding pass online If you check in to your flight online, the airline will generate your boarding pass and share it with you via email. Most airlines will send you an email 24 hours before departure prompting you to check in online. To confirm whether your airline offers online check in, visit their website.



In 2026, there are three primary ways to obtain your boarding pass: Mobile/Web Check-in, Self-Service Kiosks, or the Airport Counter. The most efficient method is checking in via the airline's mobile app or website, usually starting 24 hours before departure. Once completed, you can save a digital QR code to your smartphone's wallet (Apple or Google) or receive it via email. At the airport, if you prefer a physical copy or don't have a smartphone, you can enter your booking reference (PNR) into a self-service kiosk to print a paper pass instantly. Finally, you can visit the traditional check-in counter where an agent will print it for you after verifying your ID or passport. Note that some "ultra-low-cost" carriers now charge a significant fee (sometimes up to $25–$50) if you do not check in online and require an agent to print your pass at the airport, making the mobile app the preferred and most cost-effective choice for modern travelers.

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If you check in at the airport, you may print your boarding pass from a self-service kiosk near check-in, or an airline representative can print one for you at the check-in counter.

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To check in with an e-ticket you only need to provide a valid passport (for international flights) or government issued ID (domestic flights) so the agent can pull up your record in their system. The check-in agent then provides your boarding pass to take to the gate.

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If you don't check in, you won't receive a boarding pass that allows you to board the plane, and your seat might be given up to a standby passenger. The check-in process also confirms your traveler details like your passport information and frequent flyer number.

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Many passengers wonder: “Are an airline ticket and a boarding pass the same thing?” No, an airline ticket and a boarding pass are not the same thing. An airline ticket is proof of purchase of a flight or airfare, while a boarding pass is the passenger's identification to board the aircraft.

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Depending on the requirements of airport authorities, you will need to present a mobile boarding pass, a paper boarding pass printed out by you or a paper boarding pass picked up from the check-in desk.

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Generally speaking, we like to err on the side of caution and suggest you print out your boarding pass, even if you already checked in online and have a mobile version on your phone.

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Yes, simply show your mobile boarding pass on a mobile phone, iPad, or Apple Watch and a valid form of identification to the TSA Agent at security to proceed. To board your flight, scan your mobile boarding pass by holding one of the devices listed above with your pass facing the scanner.

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Check-in times You can check in online or from the app starting 24 hours before and up to 45 minutes before your flight (90 for international). To check bags or check in at the airport, you must be there a certain amount of time before scheduled departure: Within the U.S. – 45 minutes.

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Online Check-in for International Flights. Online check-in allows those who have reserved seats and completed the required information to check into their flight from 24 hours prior to departure. During this process, you can confirm or change seats and get a boarding pass.

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Check-in times You can check in online or from the app starting 24 hours before and up to 45 minutes before your flight (90 for international). To check bags or check in at the airport, you must be there a certain amount of time before scheduled departure: Within the U.S. – 45 minutes.

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Generally, a passenger with an electronic ticket will only need a boarding pass. If a passenger has a paper airline ticket, that ticket (or flight coupon) may be required to be attached to the boarding pass for the passenger to board the aircraft.

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What to Do After Online Check-In. Once you receive your electronic boarding pass, you can head straight to security if you're traveling carry-on only. If you're checking a bag, you'll still need to stop by the ticketing area at the airport. Look for special “bag drop” lines that bypass longer check-in lines.

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What to Do After Online Check-In. Once you receive your electronic boarding pass, you can head straight to security if you're traveling carry-on only. If you're checking a bag, you'll still need to stop by the ticketing area at the airport. Look for special “bag drop” lines that bypass longer check-in lines.

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Beyond ensuring you can get on the plane, Keyes also notes there are other goodies to be had by checking in as early as you can on an airline's website or app. Sometimes airlines allow seat selection after check-in or at least have first pick compared to folks who check-in later, he says.

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Save valuable time with your mobile boarding pass: if you are travelling with carry-on baggage only, you can go straight to security and then proceed to your gate.

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How to add a boarding pass, ticket, or other pass to Apple Wallet on your iPhone
  1. Open the app, email, notification, or other communication that contains your boarding pass, ticket, or other pass.
  2. Tap Add to Apple Wallet.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen.
  4. If necessary, tap Add in the upper right corner.


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